But the most powerful of all arguments, is, that nothing but independence . . . can keep the peace of the continent and preserve it . . . from civil wars. —Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776 Based on the excerpt, what does Paine suggest about American independence? It will prevent Britain from getting into more wars. It will help Britain rule the European continent. It cannot win a civil war with the colonies. It is the only way to keep peace in the colonies.